The Best Seasonal Allergy Meds

What it treats: Itchy/runny nose, sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and itchy nose and throat

Active ingredient: Loratadine

How it works: Claritin is an antihistamine that wedges itself between allergens and receptors in your nose so there's no outpouring of chemicals in the first place, says Vibhuti Arya, Pharm.D., an assistant clinical professor at St. John's University's College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. Regular Claritin can take 30 to 60 minutes to kick in, but the dissolving RediTabs can shave up to half an hour off the wait time, says Bethanne Brown, Pharm.D., assistant professor at the Wrinkle College of Pharmacy at the University of Cincinnati.

Why it's good: Claritin will last all day without making you too lethargic to tackle your to-do list.

Side effects: Although Claritin is virtually nondrowsy, it's possible that you'll feel a little more tired while you're taking it. Since the antihistamine acts on your central nervous system, it's normal to get a headache as well, says Arya. Also, some people may complain of a dry mouth, she adds, so sucking on hard candy or a mint will help produce saliva.

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SUDAFED

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What it treats: Nasal congestion

Active ingredient: Pseudoephedrine

How it works: Once histamines flood your nasal passages, their inflammatory properties get into your blood stream and make your blood vessels swollen, says Dawson, leaving you stuffy. "Sudafed vasoconstricts, or shrinks, your blood vessels, so it opens the passageways," says Brown.

Why it's good: Though you can't just pick it up from shelves (pharmacists keep it behind the counter, so you have to ask for it), Sudafed with pseudoephedrine is more effective than the easy-to-grab boxes stocked on shelves that contain phenylephrine. Research published in a 2009 issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology concluded that congested participants treated with phenylephrine didn't fare much better than participants who had popped a placebo. For participants who were treated with pseudoephedrine, however, a single dose significantly improved their congestion within six hours.

Side effects: Sudafed vasoconstricts vessels in your lungs and heart, as well as in your nose, so you may feel like your heart is racing, says Arya. She suggests taking it earlier in the day so it doesn't interfere with sleep. Talk to your doc or pharmacist if you have a heart problem or asthma before taking Sudafed.

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AFRIN

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What it treats: Stubborn nasal decongestion

Active ingredient: Oxymetazoline

How it works: Just like an oral decongestant, it shrinks swollen, irritated blood vessels—except you spray it directly onto the site of the stuffiness.

Why it's good: "Afrin works almost immediately," says Brown. "And since it isn't processed in your blood stream, you get fewer side effects and fewer reactions than with other meds."

Side effects: Although a squirt may burn or sting briefly, there aren't many side effects. "However, people can get addicted to decongestant nasal sprays," says Arya. "Don't use it for more than three days. Instead of continuing to solve the problem, it'll irritate your nasal lining, which will close off passages and cause rebound congestion."

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OCEAN

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What it treats: Congestion, sinus headaches, post-nasal drip

Active ingredient: Saline (simple solution made of salt and water)

How it works: Studies say that the salt and water spray may spell relief by loosening up stagnant mucus and reducing the inflammation.

Why it's good: Since you aren't squirting drugs up there, you can use it throughout the day—as often as every two to three hours if need be, says Arya. Unlike Afrin, which you shouldn't use for more than three days, you can use saline nasal sprays for two weeks before you risk irritating your nasal passage.

Side effects: None, unless you use it for more than two weeks, which may irritate your nasal passage, causing rebound congestion.

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SINUCLEANSE

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What it treats: Congestion, sinus headaches, post-nasal drip

Active ingredient: Saline (simple solution made of salt and water)

How it works: Just pour the solution into a neti pot, a nasal cup shaped like a genie lantern. Lean over the sink, and turn your head slightly to one side; place the long spout into your upper nostril and tip the cup so the solution pours into your upper nostril. Surprise—the solution will drain out of the lower nostril. Blow your nose gently, then switch sides.

Studies have found that saline irrigation improves sinus symptoms and congestion in allergy sufferers. Though docs aren't sure exactly how it works, one study concluded that it's possible the solution clears out the inflammatory chemicals, like histamines, that create nagging symptoms.

Why it's good: You can use it daily to keep congestion and the sinus headaches away. Experts even suggest using it before you have any symptoms as a preventative measure.

How it works: The antihistamine will make sure the receptors in your eyes don't produce any more histamines, which will reduce the itchiness and watering; the decongestant will vasoconstrict irritated blood vessels, so it will also get rid of that red appearance, says Brown.

Why it's good: The antihistamine and decongestant combo gives you relief and wipes away red eye that makes it look like you were on a bender the night before.

Side effects: "A brief sting when you administer the drops is normal, but don't use drops for more than three days," says Arya. Using it longer could instigate the same type of rebound inflammation caused by nasal decongestion. Quit using the drops and call your doc if you feel pressure on your eye.

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